News About People On Mackinac Island

By Jeannette Doud

To all the readers of the Town Crier and The St. Ignace News , we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings to you, wherever you are. Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The brightest star in the Christmas sky shone down upon the manger scene at the head of the Arnold pier, where lay the newborn son, the Prince of Peace. Brilliance from above covered our little Island with glory. The snowflakes glistened as they fell like nature’s blanket of silky white.

It was the evening of Thursday, December 2, and the sound of carolers could be heard in the distance. “Here We Come a Caroling,” love and joy come to you and to you glad Christmas, too, as they gathered around the city Christmas tree, standing stately in the center of Main Street. The air was crisp and cold as two-year-old Dominic James Morse flipped the switch that illuminated the tree. Special thanks to Mr. Henry Dombroski of Cheboygan, who very graciously donated this wonderful evergreen from his tree farm. High atop the tree is a large gold star, donated by City Building Inspector Dennis Dombroski and his wife, Diane. The tree is so pretty as it glows in the winter darkness. Special thanks to our friends from Cheboygan. A special thanks to Dan Wightman and Mark Chambers from Edison Sault Electric and to Cub Horn and the city crew, who gave our Island the true meaning of Christmas.

Jeannette Doud and Helga Doud, surrounded by many Christmas items, take a moment from the bazaar to pose.

Christmas carols pealed forth from the loudspeaker at the Arnold dock. Red and green lights on the pier shine on the frozen dock in the evening hours, making for a very colorful sight. The mighty Huron is decked out for the season with colored lights. The Arnold Line will have a special late boat Saturday, December 11, for Christmas shoppers. The MV Huron will leave St. Ignace at 6:30 p.m. and leave Mackinac Island at 7 p.m.

Members of the Christmas Bazaar’s silent auction include (from left) Tracie Mardock, Betty BeDour,Loretta Spata, and Kris Clark.

It’s Christmastime on Mackinac, the most beautiful time of the year, filling our hearts with love and gladness with our gifts of hope and cheer.

Mackinac Island’s community Christmas tree (left), sits idle in the middle of Main Street downtown. Two-year-old Dominic Morris (at right), with assistance from family friend Erika Arbib, flicks the switch to the Christmas tree lights at a tree lighting ceremony Thursday, December 2, but the build-up of power blew a fuse, which was repaired the next day. The tree was donated by Dombroski Tree Farm owner Henry Dombroski of Cheboygan, father of Island City Engineer Dennis Dombroski.

In December, we celebrate the month of togetherness on our Island, when we put everything aside and turn our efforts to the annual Christmas Bazaar, the proceeds of which help to support Ste. Anne’s, Trinity, Bible Church, Little Stone Church, and the Mackinac Island Medical Center. The exterior of the community hall was most inviting, with a lighted Christmas tree and bright evergreen wreaths tied with bright red bows. Upon entering the hall, one finds joy and exuberance as folks were happily doing their shopping from all the merchandise displayed. There was a song in the air. Everyone was jolly, with loads of laughter and gaiety. Christmas is for giving and showing that we care.

Trish Martin’s plant booth was where you could find Trish’s hand-painted Christmas balls, garland, wreaths, and a special handmade basket by Joan Slater’s sister from Minnesota. Trish was assisted by Barb Kovalak and Bill and Lornie Porter. The raffle from the plant booth was won by Barb Shulman.

Caralyn LaPine of Mackinac Island and her many colorful stuff animals she made by hand at the Christmas Bazaar..

Next came Esther, Kathi, and Kathryn Wightman with their mouth-watering goodies at their bake sale table, where homemade apple and walnut pies could be found, along with delicious breads, cookies, and jars of Iroquois hot fudge. The raffle from the bake sale booth was won by Sylvia Perault and Kitty Horn.

Mackinac Island’s annual Christmas Bazaar, held December 4 through December 6, grossed an estimated $44,000 that will benefit the Medical Center and the many Island churches.

Carrie Kaminen, Lois Lenaghan, Jackie Bradley, and Jeannette Doud had some very interesting items at their White Elephant booth, ranging from Round Island lamps, totes, Island sweatshirts, and many Christmas decorations. The singing Frosty was won by Dorothy Dehring.

A winter view of Mackinac Island’s west side on a sunny day with bicycles covered in the shadowed snow on the Arnold Dock.

A handsome table of handmade articles, as only Caroline LaPine can create (teddy bears, dolls, baby blankets, and Christmas tree skirts), were very popular with the shoppers. Handmade items are special Christmas gifts. Larry Parel won the handmade snowman.

Islanders get ready to enjoy a winter horse-drawn hayride, despite the lack of snow Thursday, December 2.

Karen Allen creates a special item each year for the bazaar and this year it was a bright red vest with the Mackinac Bridge embroidered on it in Christmas colors. She also featured Laker’s knitted caps and knitted gloves. Cindy Komblevitz assisted Karen with the booth.

Dr. Don Weersing built a beautiful handmade table, which was sold at auction to Margaret McIntire.

Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar’s cooking staff includes (from left, front row) Mary Rogers, Mona Carley, Debbie Carley, Sue Chambers, Emily St. Onge; (back) Donna Killups, Dan Seeley, Becky Windecker, and Melissa Bunker.

At the big auction, Kay Hoppenrath, Melly Hagenbaugh, and Jennifer Bloswick displayed wonderful gifts, from ferry tickets, televisions, toys, stuffed animals, a rocking horse, an oak cedar chest, baskets of cheer from Grand Hotel, a snowmobile caboose made by Cub Horn and Stan Gugin, a coat tree made by Jim Horn, wonderful paintings by Pam Finkel and Anne St. Onge, a bicycle, dolls, and hand-painted Christmas balls by Trish Martin. Thanks to our wonderful auctioneer, Mike Carley, and his helpers, Tony Spata, Smi Horn, Steve Zacharis, and Jamie Bynoe. A very special thanks to Gwen Bagbey, who set up the stage for the auction and decorated the hall with Christmas reds and greens.

Is that Rudolph? Nope, that is one of Jim Pettit’s Mackinac Island Service Company horses, ready to lend a hand during a day’s work.

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, the jolly old elf, Santa Claus, arrived on the fire truck. He was greeted by cheers from all of the children. Urvana Morse, Leanne Brodeur, and Sara Chambers were Santa’s elves.

Next came the kitchen crew, headed by Sue Chambers, Mary Rogers, Mona and Deb Carley, and Donna Killips. Serving the food were Lannie, Liza, and Deb (Mike Carley’s sister from Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday and Sunday and Debra and Sandra Orr on Monday). Cashiers were Becki from Grand Hotel, Emma Chambers, Blisse Beardsley, and Melissa Bunker. Dishwashers were members of the Mackinac Island Fire Department, Clark Bloswick, Mike Bradley, Dan Seeley, and Nurse Ed Chambers. The smell of the roast pork dinner on Saturday filled the hall. Those wishing to have French meat pie could enjoy this delicacy, too. On Sunday, a prime rib dinner was served to a large crowd of patrons who enjoyed a wonderful meal with a salad bar and dessert. Later in the day, pizza, hot dogs, and nachos were available. A beautiful fresh arrangement of red roses and Christmas pine centered the buffet table. The kitchen raffles were won by Leanne Brodeur and Russell Preston.

At the silent auction table, we found Betty BeDour, Loretta Spata, and Tracy Murdock. They had many happy folks who won the bid on their favorite item.

At the sundae booth, where you could get a great malt, hot fudge sundae, strawberry sundae, or a milkshake, we found the Reverend Ken Straight and his wife, Laurie, Vicki and Gary Urman, and Roy Bissell. Reverend Ken assured everyone that there were no calories in any of his goodies. Robert LaPine won the raffle from the sundae booth.

At the raffle table, Patty Satterlee was in charge. She was assisted by Jennifer Bloswick, Sara Chambers, and Kathy Smith. Everyone wanted a chance to win the new snowmobile or some Christmas cash.

The kid’s games were held Sunday afternoon. Leanne Brodeur was assisted by Emma Chambers and Blisse Beardsley. They enjoyed spirited activities.

In the fire hall, we had a special booth with special prices. It featured used clothing and many other items. Many people had a ball buying a new wardrobe for the holidays. Folks were so happy with the great bargains. The elves working in this area were Nona Tacey, Anne St. Onge, Pam Lach, Brian Schoenborn, Rick Linn, and Sam Barnwell.

Our bazaar adds to everyone’s Christmas a bit of hope, love, and cheer. Some of our regular guests and helpers couldn’t be with us. Lorna Straus of Chicago, who always helps with the big auction, couldn’t join us because of Dr. Fran Straus’ recent heart surgery. We’re happy to report that Dr. Straus is doing very well. Bruce LaPine and Buck Sharrow were always assistants to Mike Carley, the auctioneer. Bruce could not be here this year because of illness and Buck had a knee replacement Tuesday at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Sylvia Perault, who always does an excellent job selling raffle tickets, received a new hip Monday, November 22. Sylvia is making a remarkable recovery and was able to come to the hall Monday, December 6. Best wishes to all of our friends. To each and every one who participated and helped in any way, your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Folks stepped forward to make the annual event a great success. A special thanks to Bruce Zimmerman and the Department of Public Works, the Mackinac Island Police Department, Cub Horn and the city crew, the Mission Point elves who helped clean the hall, to the Mustang and Doud’s Mercantile for the pizzas, and to Superintendent Jack Dehring. A special thanks to our St. Ignace neighbors who donated to the bazaar. Merry Christmas and good cheer to everyone.

The Christmas Bazaar grossed more than $44,000. We’re very grateful to everyone who made it so successful. The raffles were won by the following people: Snowmobile, Brad Chambers; $500, Kenneth Cross of Cheboygan; $100, Judy Bynoe; $1,500, Madelyn LaPage; $1,000, Steve Moskwa; $500, Patti Ann Moskwa; $1,050 (50/50 Raffle), Megan Kromer.

Folks from out of town joining in the Christmas spirit and seen enjoying their winter visit to Mackinac was Madelyn LaPage from Warren, whom we met at the “Somewhere in Time” evening at Grand Hotel. Madelyn is a friend of Smi and Mickey Horn. Barb Metting, also from Warren and a sister of Anne St. Onge, enjoyed shopping at the bazaar. Jim and Laurie Bradley, Ron Cowell Jr. and son, Ron III, and Kristen, all from Green Bay, Wisconsin, visited their mother, Peggy Cowell, and grandmother, Bertha Green. Joe and Carolyn McDonald, former residents of Leslie Court 15 years ago, missed the area so much that they’ve now moved back to Petoskey after living in California and Anchorage, Alaska. The Jim Reitmans and Mrs. William Marsack of Stonecliffe enjoyed the weekend. Also attending the bazaar were Vic and Rena Callewaert, Mary and Wes Maurer, and the Steve Rilenge family. The John Hubrites of Trillium Heights did a lot of Christmas shopping at the bazaar. Sharon Childers of St. Ignace was the guest of Candy Smith for the weekend. Katherine and Ken Gilbert of Boyne City, Dave and Pat Ramsay of St. Ignace, Rod Horn and Angie Bunker of St. Ignace, Mary and Justin Barber of Mackinaw City, Jim and Kathy Smith of Cheboygan, the Jack Koboski family from Petoskey, Kathryn Wightman of St. Ignace, Captain Paul Allers of Mackinaw City, Bruce St. Louis of St. Ignace, Carl Hartman, Robert and Lorraine O’Keefe of Oak Brook, Illinois, the Alexanders of Mt. Pleasant, the Peter Marabells from Pointe Nipigon, Marta Olson from Harbor Springs, Mary Jane and Will Barnwell of Petoskey, the Mike Bacons from Petoskey, Frannie Bazinaw and Rose Good from St. Ignace, Dottie Glashaw, Nancy Smith, and Nancy Lamoreaux of St. Ignace, Bob Brown, Paul Brown, Rod Nelson, Jim Haveman, Mary Patay of Colorado and Mackinac, and Roger and Barb Humphrey of St. Louis, Michigan. It was great seeing everyone at the bazaar.

New visitors to the bazaar this year were Dr. Steve and Jean Humphrey of Columbia, South Carolina, who have purchased a cottage on the Woods Golf Course. They’ve been yearly visitors here for more than 15 years. We give them a warm welcome.

What could be finer during the Christmas season than an old-fashioned sleigh ride in the snow. We begin at Stonecliffe, Stonebrook, Woodbluff, and West Bluff, where the homes are gaily decorated under a blanket of snow. What could be finer than the jingle of bells and trot, trot, trot as you go.

Next we come to Harrisonville, where one finds a winter wonderland with lighted fences, outdoor displays, and holly wreaths with big red bows hanging from the windowpanes. The big tree in front of the Harrisonville General Store shines bright in the winter night.

What could be finer than an old-fashioned sleigh gliding swiftly through the still winter night with stars twinkling gaily above in the sky.

At Grand Hotel we stop to view the Mackinac Bridge, illuminated with red and green lights casting their beams on the Straits below. Proceeding down Cadotte Avenue, we pass the brightly-lit homes and businesses, especially First National Bank on Market Street.

Up on the East Bluff, Barry and Betty BeDour’s home is decked out for the holidays.

As we go down Mission Hill, we see all the homes with their twinkling lights sparkling in the snow. Ste. Anne’s Church is decorated for the season with lighted garlands and wreaths tied with red bows. Christmas Eve mass will be held at 8 p.m. and Christmas day at 11 a.m. Trinity Church bell rings in the winter night. On Monday, December 20, Christmas carolers will gather at 6 p.m. to bring the music of the season around the town. On Christmas Eve, Trinity will hold a service of lessons and carols at 4 p.m.

What could be finer than the crisp winter air biting your cheeks and your nose.

The Ramparts at Fort Mackinac and the decorated tree show the spirit of the season. It’s so festive. The street lamps on Main Street are adorned with lighted wreaths with bright red bows. At the Veterans Memorial in the city park, a Christmas tree is decorated with white lights. This year the Iroquois Hotel is decorated for the season with a lighted tree and garlands. As we go around the lakeshore, we see a 1,000 footer passing through the Straits of Mackinac decorated for the season. This is Christmas on Mackinac.

What could be finer on Christmas Eve on Mackinac than, as you go your way, singing “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night” to the trot, trot of the horse pulling the sleigh through the cold winter night on Mackinac.

Island residents will remember Meryl and Vernon Eriksson, longtime residents of Mackinac, who are the owners of a Victorian condominium on Mission Hill. They were on Mackinac for many years when Moral Re-Armament owned Mission Point Resort. Meryl and Vern were married at Stonecliffe. They now make their home in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Vernon T.L. Eriksson recently was awarded the Legion of Honor award. Vern was a Canadian officer with the Fort Garry Horse Regiment of Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he led a unit of 21 tanks during the second wave on D-day, fighting with the allied forces through France and the low countries. Vern commanded the first Canadian tanks to land on German soil. France’s Consul General, Chris Bouchard, presented this award. Congratulations to Vern and our best to Meryl. The Legion of Honor medal is France’s most prestigious award, created by Napoleon two centuries ago.

Ring the bells! Ring the bells! Ring the Merry Christmas bells!

December is the month for birthdays. Happy birthday on December 8 to Brandon Garrett Horn, to Amanda Marie Gillespie, to Lou Clark December 9, Jeannine McGreevy, Jennifer Wightman, and Brevin St. Onge December 12, Nancy (Ed) Pfeiffelman December 13, Mandy Wandrie and Herbie St. Onge December 15, Jane Finkel December 16, Lydia Porter December 17, Sara D. Chambers and Lance Greenlee December 20, Ada Mae Chambers December 21, Dee Czapek December 22, Judy Bynoe December 23, Andrew McGreevy, Jason St. Onge, and Tim Leeper Christmas Eve, December 24, Hannah Chambers and Jerry Horn Christmas Day, December 25, Anthony Rickley December 26, Bud Chambers, Lornie Porter, and John Wesley Bloswick December 27, Jim Chambers and Mary Patay December 29, and Dr. Carol Eriksson Entwistle December 31. Enjoy a great day.

Ring the bells! Ring the bells! Ring the Merry Christmas bells!

Happy wedding anniversary to Betsy and Captain Paul Allers December 28. Lots of great memories not soon to be forgotten.

Happy wedding anniversary to Fire Chief Dennis and Jackie Bradley December 28. Enjoy your day.

Sing a song of Christmas of holly green and red.

Penny Barr and Mary K. McIntire enjoyed a wonderful ride in Patagonia, Argentina. The lilacs were blooming along with the spring flowers. The lilacs, said Mary K., are not quite like Mackinac but are very beautiful and they had the same lovely scent. They rode their horses six to eight hours a day. Mary K. is now skiing in Vail, Colorado.

Sing a song of Christmas of candlelight all aglow.

Bud Bourisaw remains critically ill at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. His sister, Kitty Schadel, and friend, Sherry Rayha, remain at his side. Friends on Mackinac send their best wishes to Bud.

Mackinac mourns the loss of another great lady, Mrs. Beulah Hagenbaugh, mother of Gene, who passed away September 28 at Pathways Mason Home in Alma. Mrs. Hagenbaugh loved Mackinac and often spent her summers here. Her winter home was in Middleton, where she lived most of her life. Such a caring person and a beautiful seamstress, she often made baby quilts for the children. She is survived by her daughter, Pat, of Plymouth, and two sons, Gene of Mackinac and Lapeer and Carl of Kalamazoo; four grandsons and four granddaughters. Mrs. Hagenbaugh was especially fond of her daughter-in-law, Melly, who has a heart of gold and has been very kind to Mrs. Hagenbaugh. Deepest sympathy to the family from Island friends.

On Market Street, one of the first places to display the Christmas spirit was at Hart’s Haven and Metivier Inn, where Diane Nyer waved her magic wand and made everything beautiful. Her decorations and gorgeous Christmas wreaths make Metivier Inn almost as spectacular as her summertime garden.

Twinkling tree lights and mantelpiece stockings, wreaths with red berries and visitors knocking, ornaments sparkling like stars in the skies, Christmas is laughter and cheer and surprise.

Great news was received from Grace and Dr. Dave Armour, who are enjoying their new home in Grove City, Pennsylvania. They had just returned from visiting their two sons, Arthur and Dave and families in Portland, Oregon, and Bellevue, Washington. Excited about decorating their new home for the holidays, they were even more thrilled to say that they will be spending New Years on Mackinac as guests of Anneke and Matt Myers at their lovely home at British Landing. Grace sent many of her beautiful greeting cards, which were sold in the plant booth at the Christmas Bazaar.

Looking out of our patio door, across the yard at our neighbors, we see a beautiful bit of winter scenery following our first big snowfall of the season. The big trees in the Rearick’s yard are ladened with blankets of soft white snow, so picturesque and delightful. We suddenly see a bright light shining through, only to know that Jennifer, David, and Lucas Karhoff of Findlay, Ohio, arrived for their first visit of the winter season. They always come to take part in the Christmas Bazaar, bearing many gifts for the auction and some of Jennifer’s homemade buckeyes from Ohio. They’re a much-loved family who truly enjoy their cottage on Bourisaw Lane.

Beautiful poinsettias with red leaves and evergreens bring Christmas cheer for the coming season.

Candy Smith entertained friends at her Mission home for French meat pie Friday evening, December 3. Guests were Nancy and Ed Pfeiffelman, Tony, Tammy, and Cassie Frazier, Vanessa Smith, and Margaret Doud. They all enjoyed a telephone call from Dick Czapek from his home in Grand Rapids. We send Christmas greetings to Dick and Dee. We miss you on Mackinac.

Judy and Robbie Bynoe attended the Christmas concert at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, where Peggy Bynoe, a concert pianist, is a senior, to be graduated in the spring. Before leaving home, Judy had four delicious apple pies baked for the bake sale at the bazaar. Patty Bynoe left on Saturday for Chassell to help celebrate the sixth birthday of her niece, Kaitlyn McKay, December 7. Nice to have the Bynoes back home as year-around residents. Just another most-welcome light in the neighborhood.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

On Thursday, December 2, a slumber party was held at Barb Kovlak’s home in the Mission. Guests seeing Mackinac in all its winter beauty were Jill Sawatzki, Bonnie Foltz, Paula Starkweather, Jan Webster, and Joan Barch, who all had a fun time at their first Christmas Bazaar. Great to see everyone.

Merry Christmas to Sara Sutherland and her husband in Orlando, Florida. I know that you think about Mackinac at this time of the year, so we send you seasons greetings from Mackinac.

Seasons greetings to the city crew from St. Ignace, John, Robert, Frank, and Robert Massaway Jr. and Chuckie Orr and Cub Horn from Mackinac, who waved their magic wand and turned Mackinac into a Christmas wonderland. Have a good winter.

Believe it or not, before the heavy snowfall, three large pots of yellow chrysanthemums were in full bloom in the Cloghaun Cottage garden. Christmas greetings to Jim Bond and Marty and Paul Carey.

Jennifer and Frank Bloswick celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary December 2 and were so happy to welcome the first snowfall of the season that they went outside and played in it. Congratulations from Island friends and relatives. Jennifer is the director of the Mackinac Island Community Foundation and Frank is a member of the City Council and owns the Mackinac Lapidary Shop on Market Street.

Christmas is the Christmas carols sung with joyous sound. The bright sparkling snowflakes floating to the ground.

Here on the Island is a very special lady who will be celebrating her 98th birthday December 13. Helga Doud will be with family members and friends enjoying her big day. Happy birthday, Helga, and best wishes for continued good health and happiness. She enjoys attending Wednesday night craft night at the library, where she teaches knitting to the young folks. Helga shares her birthday with her granddaughter, Jeannie Hayes, of Basalt, Colorado.

We send warmest and best wishes to Dr. Fran Straus of Chicago and summer cottager of Hubbard Annex, who is recuperating well from his recent heart surgery and looking forward to spending New Year’s on Mackinac. Marshall Builders are renovating their Pontiac Lookout home on the West Bluff, with its magnificent view of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Christmas greetings to Dr. Fran and Lorna.

We send deepest sympathy to Mrs. James (Nancy) Graham of Grosse Pointe on the recent loss of her beloved husband, James. Mrs. Graham’s first husband was the late G. Mennen (Soapy) Wiliams, governor of Michigan. They spent many happy years on Mackinac. Island friends are thinking of you in your great loss.

On December 8, another Islander, Dennis Brodeur, celebrated his 84th birthday and we wish him a very happy one. He spends his winter months in Naples, Florida. Keep warm and health, Dennis, and we look forward to seeing you in the spring. Dennis is the owner of the popular Mustang Lounge.

On Tuesday night, November 23, the Community Hall on Market Street came alive with Bob St. Onge’s 80th birthday party, where family and friends gathered to wish him well. The hall was very festive for the occasion. Seen on the dance floor, as DJ Brevin Cawthorne played his favorite tunes, was Bob, kicking up his heels. Everyone enjoyed a fun evening. Bob’s health is fine and he is enjoying his new home in St. Ignace, located behind the Subway Shop, across from Shepler’s Dock. Happy 80th birthday, Bob. We wish you many years of good health and happiness.

On Friday following Thanksgiving, Dennis Brodeur departed his Mackinac home for his winter home in Naples, Florida. Dennis stayed to help Bob St. Onge celebrate his 80th birthday. Bob drove Dennis to Florida, and I’m certain that they had a great trip talking about the party. Dennis and his daughter, Leanne and family, are enjoying their beautiful home on the water at the east end of the Island, where Dennis has a magnificent view of the harbor and Straits of Mackinac. Dennis and I were school chums at the Thomas W. Ferry School. Before leaving, he made me promise that I will bake him a banana cream pie when he comes back to Mackinac in the spring. Enjoy a healthy, happy winter, Dennis.

A great improvement to the west bluff is a wonderful new rustic stairway leading from Pontiac Trail to the shore road (M-185). This was so very popular years ago, but was abandoned over the years. I’m so pleased that it has been rebuilt for everyone to enjoy. Special Christmas greetings to Jane and Richard Manoogian from all your Island Friends.

A very happy wedding anniversary to Larry and Irene Rickley Thursday, December 16. Enjoy your day.

Another lovely lady, Mrs. Ethel Ryba, celebrated her 98th birthday November 18 at her winter residence in Warren. She’s doing well and is surrounded by her family. Best wishes from everyone on Mackinac.

Debra and Sandra Orr and Nancy May enjoyed a fabulous trip to Greece. The Orrs are busy with the renovation of the former Bogan building on main street. The new restaurant will be known as “Sea Biscuit.” Aunt Lou Riley recently underwent surgery in Naples, Florida. She’s recuperating very well and enjoys life to the fullest. She is 91 years of age.

Hopefully, our readers recently enjoyed seeing magnificent winter scenes and delightful story of winter on Mackinac in the recent edition of Coastal Living Magazine. Great publicity about our beautiful island as seen from the East Bluff showing the winter expanse of the Straits of Mackinac.

Jack Ryerse of St. Ignace, who manages the First National Bank on Mackinac Island, recently underwent knee replacement surgery at Northern Michigan Hospital and is doing very well. Jack is very eager to get back to the Island. He always worked as one of Santa’s elves decorating the bank for the season. Rest assured, Jack, that your little elves at the bank have followed your instructions and the First National Bank is very festive.

Christmas is the fragrant scent of pine from the Christmas tree.

The happiness, the joy, that’s what Christmas means to me.

Enjoying their winter visit to Mackinac and their home on Market Street were Brian and Barbara Hellis of Northville, who were seen bidding at the Big Auction at the Christmas Bazaar. Barb was elated, as she was able to get a cute rocking horse for her grandson, Patrick Culliton. Brian was seen carrying the horse as they left the Island.

Best wishes to our summer neighbor, Stella Mae Kwolek of Detroit, who was unable to come to Mackinac to enjoy her comfortable apartment on French Lane due to her illness. Hopefully, Stella Mae, you’re feeling better and we look forward to seeing you in the spring of 2005.

Melly Hagenbaugh and her family are looking forward to a holiday visit from their dear friend, Mary Patay, who is pursuing her Ph.D. at Northern Colorado University in Greeley, Colorado.

On December 10, Margaret McIntire and Becki Barnwell will leave for Laguna Beach, California, where they’ll spend the winter months. Becki and her son, Sam, have decorated the Iroquois for the holidays with trees, wreaths, and garland. Enjoy your winter. Sam will be spending the winter on Mackinac.

Sarah Dehring, daughter of Dorothy and Jack, will be graduated from Ferris State University in this month. Sarah officiated at the Lakers volleyball game against Beaver Island Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4. Congratulations to Sarah from everyone on Mackinac.

Brother Jim Boynton, S.J., along with his parents, Patty and Ollie Boynton and two Jesuit priests, enjoyed two days on Mackinac. Brother Jim is the director of vocations at the University of Detroit High School.

Dan Musser, chairman of Grand Hotel, attended a meeting of the Department of Public Works Monday, December 6. He also visited the Christmas Bazaar.

City auditor Mike Konicki of Cheboygan attended the Department of Public Works meeting Monday, December 6. When leaving the Island, he slipped and fell, dislocating his shoulder. Best wishes for a quick recovery from Island friends.

Friends of Mimi and Pierce Cunningham, Susan and David Skidmore, came to Grand Hotel in the spring with all the members of their family to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and returned in the fall for the Big Band weekend. The Skidmores love Mackinac and Grand Hotel. We give them a warm welcome to our Island and look forward to seeing Mimi and Pierce back on Mackinac in 2005.

Thanks to Judy Bynoe, who gave me an interesting article entitled “Back in Time.” UPS workers on Michigan’s Island work like the original teamsters. A photograph shows the workers with their parcels being drawn by a team of dray horses on Market Street, showing a worker with a box in hand about to deliver a package to La Galerie Gift Shop. During the early years of the Teamsters Union, being a teamster meant you delivered goods by horse-drawn carriage. The Island’s UPS drivers are represented by Local 486 in Saginaw.

Brad Conkey, his wife, Cheryl, and their two sons love Mackinac and come each summer to visit their friends, Rita and Elliot Cohen, at their lovely home, Hedgecliffe. Here’s some exciting news about Brad and Cheryl. The political dynasty has begun. Brad won a city council seat in the City of Sylvan Lake. His wife, Cheryl Matthews, was elected judge for the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County. Congratulations from Island friends.

The years may pass and yet they’ll stay and never wholly go away. I can close my eyes and see Christmas as it used to be.

In the December issue of Architectural Digest there’s a very interesting article written by Carleton Varney, who has worked at the Dorothy Drape Company in New York City since 1962, a period of more than 40 years. Mr. Varney is the fabulous decorator for the Musser family at their Grand Hotel. The article is very interesting and informative on the history of Mr. Varney and his association with the owner of the company, Dorothy Draper. He has been a firm believer in the Dorothy Draper classic style in all the 42 years of his career. We send special greetings to Carleton for a wonderful holiday season. Look forward to seeing you back on Mackinac in 2005.

Congratulations to Jenny Shanku and Jason St. Onge on their recent engagement. They’ll be married on Saturday, October 8, at Ste. Anne’s Church. This is just another Mackinac romance. Jennifer, who is a graduate of Michigan State University in horticulture, is employed by Grand Hotel and Jason is self-employed, operating St. Onge Latex and Groove contracting business. Best wishes from Island friends and relatives.

The Frank Bloswick Jr. residence will be a happy place this holiday season as Jennifer’s mom and dad, uncle and aunt, and brothers will be coming from Grand Rapids to spend their first Christmas on Mackinac. Jennifer and Frank have been very busy decorating their home. We give Jennifer’s family a warm welcome.

Joan Slater has been visiting her family in Minnesota.

On Monday, December 6, we had the pleasure of a visit from Jim Haveman, former director of the Michigan Department of Public Health, who recently returned from Iraq, where he was sent by President Bush to help rebuild the health care system. Mr. Haveman also was one of the driving forces in securing funding for the new Mackinac Island Medical Center. He and Rod Nelson, CEO of Mackinac Straits Hospital, paid the Island a visit and stopped by to do some shopping at the Christmas Bazaar.

Special greetings to Joan and Wayne Zwolinski of Petoskey, who have been so kind to Bud Bourisaw and his family during Bud’s serious illness. Wayne and Bud worked together at the Mackinac Island Post Office for many years.

Above each door, with ribbons red, sprigs of mistletoe are spread. Soft green leaves and berries white reflect the candles’ golden light.

Just received a call from Bruce Lapine who is on Mackinac Island. He has to take it easy for a couple of weeks, but he’s doing much better. So good to have Bruce and Patty back home.

Merry Christmas to Theresa Bazinaw, Patty Gallagher, Gary Lapine, and other friends at Long Term Care in St. Ignace.

Special greetings to Nova Therrian in Sault Ste. Marie. Nova always donates to the Christmas Bazaar.

We’re pleased to report that Barry BeDour is doing just fine and is out and about. He attended a meeting of the Department of Public Works Monday morning, where he’s a member of the board.

May the joy of the special season surround you like a beautiful holiday wreath. May the love of those you hold dear flow over you like a gentle snowfall and may the delight that a child finds in this wonderful time of year be yours the whole year through.